20 Disaster Movies You Must See Before You Die

A few years ago, Contagion might've seemed less like an outright disaster movie than a speculative sci-fi about a theoretical deadly plague sweeping the planet.

Viewed today, in the midst of a very real pandemic, Contagion feels discomfortingly close to a documentary at times, such is the authenticity of Scott Z. Burns' impressively well-researched script.

Contagion has naturally enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the last two years, but on its own merits is a terrifyingly unsentimental, ruthless look at how a virulent disease can rampage across the world in no time.

Making the most of a fantastic ensemble cast, Steven Soderbergh studiously encapsulates everyday human panic, the scientific community's scramble to find a solution, and those who seek to profit off of fearmongering.

Upon original release, Jude Law's conspiracy theorist antagonist seemed positively cartoonish, yet two years into COVID-19 he's been proven frighteningly realistic.